The report released by the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization (CCG) indicates that the landscape of destinations for Chinese students studying abroad is evolving to become more diverse and comprehensive. Despite this trend, China continues to stand out as the largest source of international students for countries such as the U.S., the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand during the 2022-23 academic year.
China has maintained its position as the leading source of international students in the U.S. for 15 consecutive years. In the 2022-23 academic year, there were 289,000 Chinese students enrolled in U.S. institutions. The report highlights a significant increase in the number of Indian students studying in the U.S. since 2020, with India now trailing China by only 20,000 students.
The population of Chinese students pursuing education in Germany has held steady at approximately 40,000. Meanwhile, there has been a notable rise in the number of Chinese students opting for countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Malaysia and Thailand. In 2021, the student population in these areas grew by approximately 10,000 compared to the previous year.
The CCG report underscores the continuous expansion of international study opportunities globally, with China maintaining its status as the primary contributor of international students. The significance of studying abroad is underscored as essential for cultivating top-tier global talents within China. The future trajectory of international education in the country is anticipated to see sustained growth, with established destinations stabilizing and emerging destinations gaining traction.
Fields related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) remain a popular choice among students pursuing education overseas. The report highlights the global expansion of Chinese enterprises and the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative in propelling high-quality development. This has resulted in an uptick in international student mobility, as noted by the CCG.
Since the initiation of China’s reform and opening-up policies, the number of Chinese mainland students undertaking studies abroad has surpassed 8 million. By 2021, the total count of overseas returnees has exceeded 6 million, reflecting the country’s commitment to international education and talent exchange.
Studying abroad plays a pivotal role in driving China’s economic, social, and technological progress, serving as a crucial avenue for cultivating top-tier international talents within the nation. The report also highlights the increasing presence of international talents who have studied abroad in the realm of public governance in China. These individuals leverage their global perspectives and strategic acumen to enhance China’s engagement in global governance initiatives.